Lamb's ears is the common name for a perennial plant, also sometimes called woolly lamb's ears. The red to violet flowers of lamb's ears are not the focal point of this charming drought resistant plant, although they are pretty to look at. Most gardeners actually grow it for the silvery green silky foliage, which really does feel like the ear of a lamb, complete with fine white down. The plant makes an excellent ground cover, and contrasts beautifully with other flowering plants, especially purple and violet flowers.

The scientific name for the plant is Stachys lanata, and they are classified in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Lamb's ears are native to Turkey, where they grow like weeds in rugged soil, low water conditions and fierce sun. The plants were adopted for gardens because of their amazing suede-like leaves, although some gardeners have been known to regret the decision later, since lamb's ears can turn invasive.

The plants prefer low water conditions, and also enjoy sub-standard soil. Full to partial sun is ideal for growing lamb's ears, which are hardy in USZA Zones four through 10, although more shade may be needed in higher zones. When planted, lamb's ears should be mulched, to reduce the risk of rot underneath the plants. The plants will attract birds and butterflies, so they are excellent choices for a butterfly garden. Lamb's ears are also deer resistant, unless gardeners are dealing with very hungry deer.

Ad

Many garden supply stores sell lamb's ears in starter pots. Gardeners should think carefully about where they want to grow the plants, since they will sprawl and take over. Lamb's ears do not work as standalone plants or splashes of color, and they can cover an entire bed in very short order. When used as border plants, lamb's ears should be regularly trimmed to prevent sprawl, or the plants can be established in patches of ground cover around the garden.

Non-blooming varieties of lamb's ears tend to grow lower to the ground, and more slowly. Blooming lamb's ears will develop elongated stalks in the spring, producing small flowers. These plants tend to be more upright, and will achieve more height in the end than non-blooming versions. Both will readily re-seed themselves, and they can also be cultivated by dividing the root ball. The root ball can generally be split every two to three years. Splitting the root ball also prevents the plants from getting weedy, as does trimming back dead growth.

Discuss this Article

A friend of mine has this plant in his garden and he eats it breaded and fried. He said it tastes like fried fish and it's a very good appetizer.

B707Post 3

We live in a warm climate and lamb's ear plants grow well in a section of our backyard. They thrive on hot sun, poor soil and not much water. It has spread out now so it makes a great ground cover.

The kids love to play with the nice soft leaves. It's a strong and hearty plant. The dog runs through the lamb's ear without harming it. It really looks nice as a ground cover - a very usual plant that doesn't need much care.

ajvicianPost 2

I love lamb's ears -- I actually found out about them through my homeopath though! Apparently, along with being a striking garden plant, in the past lamb’s ear has also been used as a medicinal herb. It is sometimes labeled as Stachys olympica or Stachys byzantine. Some of the other common names it is known by are woundwort, woolly betony, and heal-all.

The leaves have been used by herbalists as a natural bandage to bind wounds and to stop bleeding. Some of lamb’s ear’s natural properties are astringent, antiseptic, diuretic, and antibacterial.

The leaves have also been used as a tea to treat various ailments, and weak cold water infusions have been used as an eye wash.

ShellM89Post 1

I wouldn’t discount the flowers on lamb’s ears. Personally I find them attractive and fragrant. However, keeping the flowers cut off as they appear can help to keep the plant from overgrowing.

I agree you do have to be careful with this plant because if you don’t control it, this plant will control your garden. It can be very invasive.

Post your comments

Please enter the code:

Login

Register

Make changes/additions/deletions to the article below, and one of our editors will publish your suggestions if warranted.

Optional: Explanation of your recommended changes

Thank You!

One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted.
Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive,
this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!